Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when acidic stomach contents flow back up into the oesophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach). A ring of muscle normally acts as a one-way valve to stop this happening but, sometimes this valve doesn’t function properly.
- Acid reflux can affect people of all ages
- Frequent acid reflux may mean you have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Symptoms of acid reflux
Acid reflux can produce a burning sensation in your chest (known as heartburn). This sensation usually occurs after eating and tends to get worse when you lie down or bend over.
Other symptoms can include a sour taste in the back of the throat, bloating, burping, nausea, bad breath, sore throat, hoarseness, cough and hiccups.
Causes of acid reflux
Many people suffer from occasional heartburn, and there is often no obvious cause. However, sometimes the condition is triggered or made worse by:
- Anxiety or stress
- Certain foods or drinks (such as spicy or fatty foods, alcohol or coffee)
- Pregnancy
- Being overweight
- Some medicines, such as anti-inflammatory painkillers including ibuprofen
- Increases in certain hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone
A condition known as a hiatus hernia, which is where part of your stomach moves up into your chest through an opening in the diaphragm, can also increase the risk of acid reflux.
Acid reflux treatments
The highly trained, fully qualified healthcare professionals here at Pharmacy+Health will be able to advise you on the acid reflux and heartburn treatment options available.
The following three medicines are all designed to reduce the amount of acid that your stomach produces.
Esomeprazole
This treatment is available as tablets, capsules and granules used to make a liquid that you swallow. All forms are available on prescription, but the lowest dose (20mg) can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. Esomeprazole typically starts to work within two to three days, but in some cases it can take up to four weeks to take full effect.
Rabeprazole
Rabeprazole is a type of acid reflux or heartburn treatment that is available on prescription. It comes in tablet-form and is usually taken once a day, although if people are prescribed a higher dose, they may take it twice a day. It usually starts to work within two to three days, although it might take up to four weeks to work fully.
Lansoprazole
Available on prescription, lansoprazole comes as either tablets or capsules. Depending on your condition, you may only need to take lansoprazole for a few weeks or months. However, in some cases, it may need to be taken for a longer period, potentially years. Usually, lansoprazole is taken once a day, but some people only take it when they experience symptoms.
These medicines are not suitable for everyone. You can speak to your pharmacist to find out more about them and which options may be appropriate for you.
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Pharmacy+Health provides consultation appointments and treatments for acid reflux and many other common health conditions. Our pharmacists are qualified healthcare professionals who can provide clinical advice and recommend the most suitable treatment for you – quickly and conveniently.
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are a variety of factors that can make acid reflux worse. For example, this condition often occurs after eating a big meal, eating too quickly or drinking coffee or alcohol. Other known triggers include obesity, smoking, pregnancy and certain medications.
Lifestyle changes can help you manage occasional bouts of acid reflux. Try to lose any excess weight, eat smaller meals, avoid lying down after eating and don’t snack before bedtime.
It can also help to avoid foods that can trigger acid reflux, such as fried, fatty or spicy foods. Cutting out alcohol and tobacco can help too.
You may also want to try raising the head of your bed by around 10cm to 20cm. This elevates your chest and head above the level of your waist, and this can reduce the chance of stomach acid moving up your oesophagus towards your throat.
It is important to be aware that untreated, persistent acid reflux or GORD can lead to serious complications in the long term. You can talk to our experienced and highly trained pharmacists about your possible heartburn triggers and receive clinical advice on the best way to treat your symptoms.
Pharmacy+Health makes it simpler and more convenient to get the treatment you need. Find out more about the cost of a consultation here.
You can trust our skilled staff to give you the highest quality care.